Polar bears are already struggling to survive in the face of global warming. Warmer temperatures mean less seasonal sea ice, making it harder to find food and literally melting away their homes.
But polar bears are also being threatened by the demand from collectors in some countries for polar bear skin rugs, claws, skulls and other parts of the animal to decorate their homes. To combat this trade, the United States proposed to increase the protection of bears through CITES, an international agreement that regulates trade of endangered wildlife.
But Canada, home to 60 percent of the world's polar bears, needs to sign on for the agreement to be effective. In March representatives from 175 countries will meet in Qatar to vote on strengthening protections for the bears. Canada's support would help save hundreds of polar bears each year.
Tell Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government to support ending the international commercial trade on polar bear products.
Dear Prime Minister Harper,
As a Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund supporter and someone who cares about polar bears and other wildlife, I am writing today to encourage the Canadian government to support a proposal to provide more protections for polar bears through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Polar bears are facing so many threats -- including global warming, oil and gas exploration, pollution and poaching -- that these amazing animals could disappear from the neighboring U.S. by mid-century.
Rising temperatures are already melting the sea ice habitat that polar bears depend on for survival. This season's Arctic sea ice is well below average. In fact, a recent study from the Technical University in Denmark indicates that the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free as early as 2015.
Although Canada has made progress in managing its own polar bear populations, increased international protections are needed to secure a lasting future for these Arctic icons.
Uplisting polar bears from CITES Appendix II to Appendix I would end the trade of polar bear parts and products (like bear skin rugs) for primarily commercial purposes, preventing the deaths of hundreds of these struggling animals every year.
Canada can and should be an international leader in protecting these magnificent animals on the international front by supporting a U.S. proposal to the CITES Secretariat to uplist polar bears to Appendix I.
Thank you for your time.
